03 December 2024 | Sophia, Bulgaria [ASI Europe]
With the theme “Forward with Christ,” the Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) Europe Convention welcomed attendees from 24 countries to Sofia, Bulgaria. The event inspired a renewed commitment to sharing Christ and marked the election of a new ASI Europe Executive Committee.
A New Leadership Team Elected
A key highlight was the election of a new ASI Europe Executive Committee, guided by Trans-European Division (TED) Field Secretary Ian Sweeney in a spirit of prayer and unity. Stepping into leadership roles, the new team includes:
- President: Carlos Dias (Portugal)
- Secretary: Daniel Klop (UK)
- Treasurer: Dominik Ritler (Switzerland)
- General VP: Michael Garkov (UK)
- VP Evangelism: Kris Lennart (Austria)
- VP Marketing & Communication: Daniel Pedley (Sweden)
- VP Membership Growth & Development: Casiana Fometescu (Romania)
- VP Logistics: Malin Valchinov (Bulgaria)
- VP Youth: Joakim Hjortland (Sweden)
Carlos Dias, the newly elected President, expressed gratitude to outgoing President Dr Christiane Theiss for her seven years of impactful leadership and 25 years of service to ASI Europe. “Her enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to chapter growth and fostering unity across divisions have left a lasting impact,” Dias said.
Dias shared his vision for the future, stating: “The new leadership team is focused on supporting evangelistic projects led by laypeople across all ASI chapters in Europe while fostering growth in many aspects of Seventh-day Adventist spiritual life. Sharing Christ in the marketplace is our 24/7 challenge. As missionaries in daily activities—from interactions with customers to colleagues—every stakeholder has an opportunity to share Christ.”
Highlights of the Convention
The convention reached its peak on Sabbath, October 26, with 900 attendees participating in worship. Pastor Robert Folkenberg Jr., President of the Southern New England Conference, in the USA, delivered a moving sermon encouraging courage in sharing the Gospel. His powerful messages, shared throughout the event, inspired attendees to deepen their spiritual walk and embrace their roles in God’s mission.
The presence of ASI leaders, including North American Division (NAD) ASI Director Andi Hunsaker, TED President Dr Daniel Duda, and Inter-European Division (EUD) President Mario Brito, reinforced the unity and purpose characterising the gathering.
A special Sabbath offering raised over €230,000 (over £190,000) in pledges to support 41 projects across 16 countries in Europe, reflecting the attendees’ shared commitment to the mission.
Music played a significant role, with Bulgarian artists, including a local bagpipe player, uniting the audience in heartfelt praise. The National Adventist Choir, “The Voice of Hope,” led an evangelistic concert in the evening, receiving a standing ovation.
The event also featured an evangelism expo and 13 seminars led by international leaders, offering practical tools for outreach. These sessions reflected ASI’s dedication to empowering professionals and laypeople to integrate their faith into daily life and mission.
About ASI Europe: Adventist-Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Europe is a supporting organisation established to strengthen the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the Inter-European (EUD) and Trans-European (TED) Divisions. Through collaboration with members from diverse professional backgrounds, ASI Europe promotes outreach programs aligned with the Church’s principles and values.
[Photos: Hope Channel Bulgaria]
